Birth Date: 12/18/1938
Deceased Date: 04/11/2017
William K. “Bill” Parrish, 78, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, after an illness. He was a faithful husband, amazing daddy, and the world’s best “Papa”. Most of all, he was a child of God and a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bill was born on December 18, 1938, in Selma, North Carolina, to the late George Ivey and Lucille Pearsie Parrish. He graduated from Selma High School and Barton (Atlantic Christian) College. He received his Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University.
Bill was a professional educator with Johnston County Schools for 35 years. He was a teacher and assistant principal at the old Smithfield High School, principal of South Smithfield Elementary, the first principal of the newly constructed Smithfield Jr. High School, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction. He retired as principal of Clayton High School in 1996. Mr. Parrish was also instrumental in starting the AG Center for academically gifted students in 1986. He was a leader, mentor and friend to countless students and teachers.
Bill also served Christ as a faithful member, Sunday School teacher, church officer and Deacon of Unity Free Will Baptist Church, Smithfield. He was a strong supporter of the National Association of Free Will Baptists and had a special love for Welch (FWB) College in Nashville, Tennessee, sending his children and grandchildren as students.
Mr. Parrish was an avid golfer and a long-time member of the Cardinal Country Club. He enjoyed traveling, especially going to the cottage in North Myrtle Beach, SC. He lived for opportunities to spend time with his grandchildren and getting to spoil them.
He married his loving wife of 55 years, Frances (Hall) Parrish on October 21, 1961, who survives. He is also survived by his two sons, Kent (Kathy) Parrish of Smithfield, and Todd (Merinda) Parrish of Washington; grandchildren, Emily (Zach) Vickery, Ellen (Kevin) Stox, Michael Parrish, Meredith Parrish, and his loving Cocker Spaniel, “Molly”.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, April 14, 2017, at 2PM, Unity Free Will Baptist Church, 104 W. Langdon Ave, Smithfield, with visitation prior at 1 PM. The Rev. Todd Parrish and Rev. Jason Hurt will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Selma Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends at other times at the home.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the medical staff of the ICU at Johnston Health in Smithfield and the medical staff of LifeCare Hospitals of North Carolina in Rocky Mount. The family will be forever grateful for the excellent care, love, and support of a special physician, Dr. Gerrie Michelle Shiver, of LifeCare. Her amazing devotion to her patients and to Christ sustained Bill’s family during the most difficult of days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Welch College, PO Box 479, Gallatin, Tennessee, 37066.
